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Oct 3, 2008

At Stuttgart for the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, it was obvious that she would only travel there in a Porsche. A classy white Porsche, to be exact.

She looked rather skeptical here, as to whether she should take a sip of the red wine or not.

I wonder if Russian Safina prefers a straight shot of vodka instead ;)

By the way, in last night's second round match, Dinara Safina defeated Tsvetana Pironkova 6-1, 7-6(6). She will play Venus Williams tonight, which I expect to be an interesting match that you don't want to miss.

"He played really well and there wasn't much I could do," Nishikori told the near-capacity crowd of 9,123 at Tokyo's Ariake Colosseum.

"I knew he was strong. I respected him too much."

The unseeded Nishikori was hard-pressed to live up to the exorbitant expectations placed on him in the wake of a breakout year that included becoming the first Japanese to win an ATP event in 16 years.

Already Japan's top male player in over a decade, the 18-year-old never displayed the poise or confidence that carried him to victories in the first two rounds, his first-ever wins in an ATP tournament on home soil.

"It's hard to play at home, he's only 18 years old," said a sympathetic Gasquet, like Nishikori a former junior star.

"I'm sure he was a little bit nervous. I have three years more experience than him."

Gasquet said he sees a bright future for Nishikori, who will likely land in the upper 70s when the rankings are released next week, exceeding his career-best of 81.

"It's his first year on the tour, so it's tough," Gasquet said.

"He won a tournament and made the fourth round of the U.S. Open. If he is not injured, he will be in the top 10. He has a good forehand, a good backhand. There is no reason for him not to go into the top 10."

In the quarterfinals, Gasquet, the losing finalist here last year to Spain's David Ferrer, will face 2003 champion Rainer Schuettler, the 12th-seeded German who squeezed past No. 8 seed Mikhail Youzhny of Russia 6-3, 6-7 (12-14), 6-4.

Oct 2, 2008

As expected, Argentina nominates a fast indoor arena to host the Davis Cup tennis final against Spain to blunt the clay-court dominance of top-ranked Rafael Nadal.

The Argentine tennis association nominated Cordoba's Estadio Orfeo as its first choice for the final, with Mar del Plata's Islas Malvinas stadium as its second option.However, there is a problem.

Argentina's bid to host the Davis Cup final against Spain on indoor carpet will only be accepted if the country's tennis federation selects a venue that meets stringent crowd capacity requirements, International Tennis Federation (ITF) officials said.

And the Cordoba's Orfeo Stadium falls short of the 12,000-seating capacity required by the ITF to host a final.

Argentina have never hosted a Davis Cup tie on any surface except clay, but captain Alberto Mancini had made it clear immediately after their 3-2 semi-final win over Russia that he would prefer to play on carpet.

That is a nod to the talent of Spain's Rafael Nadal, who has 123 of his last 126 matches on clay.

A Cordoba final would also satisfy the wishes of David Nalbandian to play in his home province.

"Cordoba has the best conditions compared with the others," Nalbandian said last week.

"I was born in this province so I would love to play here, but there are a lot of other factors to be considered and we are working to choose the right option."

Argentina are hosting the Davis Cup final for the first time.

They finished as runners-up in the tournament in 1981 and 2006, losing 3-1 to the United States and 3-2 to Russia respectively.

Rafael Nadal becomes the latest tennis player to join Serena and Venus Williams, Andre Agassi, Maria Sharapova and Andy Roddick off the court and in beauty and fragrance industry.The world no. 1 tennis player has signed a deal with Paris-based Inter Parfums to be global ambassador for its Lanvin line of fragrances.

Nadal will help develop a new Lanvin fragrance which is set for a summer 2009 launch.

The positioning of the new fragrance line, which is to be called Lanvin L'Homme Sport, will be built around Nadal's image.

A range of products will be aimed at a younger market than is usual for the Lanvin brand.

Inter Parfums is planning to launch the brand throughout Europe and the US.

Oct 1, 2008

In her blog, Jelena Jankovic posted some pictures from Stuttgart of her celebrating the China Open win with her parents Snezana and Veselin Jankovic.

There are champagne, strawberries, chocolates and lots of love!

This is a crucial week for the Serbian sensation.

Not only that a luxury Porsche is at stake, but this Porsche Tennis Grand Prix will determine who's the world no. 1; Jankovic or Serena Williams.

If one of the two loses second round and the other goes further, the one who goes further will be No.1; if they both lose in the second round, Jankovic will be No.1.

If Williams wins her second round match, Jankovic's chances of becoming No.1 diminish significantly - Jankovic would have to do two wins better than Williams, so she would have to be either runner-up (with Williams losing in the quarters) or champion (with Williams losing in the semis).

Kei joined other players to crack the Sake barrels to wish for the happiness and the success of the tournament at a party during the AIG Japan Open Tennis Championship 2008 at Ariake Colosseum yesterday in Tokyo, Japan.

Kei Nishikori has signed an endorsement and patch contract with Nissin Food Product Co.

Nishikori will wear the "Cup Noodles" logo on his Adidas shirt at the AIG Open at the Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo, Japan.

Nissin manufacturers the popular Ramen instant noodle mix.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"I am glad to announce that I have signed a contract with Nissin Food Products Co., Ltd., Japan’s most famous food manufacturer," Nishikori said in a statement.

"I have loved Ramen since I was a little boy."

Here's Kei when he was that little boy!

"Even now that my life is based out of the United States I continue to spend a lot of time traveling around the world and often enjoy Nissin Noodles."

"Instant noodles is a food culture that Nissin Food Product Co., Ltd. has spread all over the world and always reminds me of Japan."

"Diet is a very important aspect of my life as a professional athlete and will be a key factor to my success as a tennis player. Through my relationship with Nissin Food Product Co., Ltd., I will be able to receive great nutritional advice and strong support regarding my diet."

Well said, Kei! Nissin definitely has picked up the right man to sell their noodles. This endorsement deal comes 4 months after Nishikori signed a three-year global sponsorship pact with Sony.

Things is certainly looking bright for Nishikori.

In the meanwhile, at the AIG Japan Open, Nishikori beat Robert Kendrick in the first round to win 7-6, 6-7, 6-2.

Sep 30, 2008

Paradorn Srichaphan with Novak Djokovic at the Thailand Open 2008 final

Plagued by injury for almost two years, Thai tennis ace Paradorn Srichaphan is eyeing a switch to motorsport to rediscover his competitive edge.

The former world no. 9 has been busy promoting the sport in his home country and admits he is considering ditching his racket to race fast cars and motorcycles.

"I've been really bored and it would be huge challenge to move from one sport to the next," Paradorn said.

"I'm involved in a racing team and my sponsors are interested in having me racing for them, but only when I retire from tennis. I still plan to return to the tour."

The 29-year-old has been off the court since December 2006 after a recurrent wrist injury.

However, his marriage to former Miss Universe Natalie Glebova, who was recently seen on The Amazing Race Asia season 3, ensured he never disappeared from the limelight at home as his dwindling career took a nose-dive.

Unlike many Thai sportsmen, Paradorn has resisted the temptation to become a singer or television actor and believes motorsport, at domestic level at least, is where his future lies.

"In Thailand, motorsport is getting bigger and bigger. I love the sport, bikes and cars, and I'm not bad at it," said a suited, lean-looking Paradorn, who no longer has his muscled physique.

"When I watch the other (tennis) players I wish it was me, I miss the thrill of the competition.

"In the long term I need something else and I'm not ruling out getting behind the wheel of a fast car or riding a bike."

Gardner, a model on TV's Deal or No Deal, had six bridesmaids in black dresses. (The bash was overseen by wedding planner Linda Howard, from Sensational Celebrations, while Mark's Garden provided the flowers.)

After the 30-minute Jewish ceremony, the couple walked back down the aisle hand-in-hand while wedding guests waved little sparklers and a live band played U2's "Beautiful Day." Awww... so sweet...

The 30-year-old twins held their inaugural charity event for their Bryan Brothers' Foundation on Saturday at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks and got the man himself to headline.

Agassi made a rare appearance to help raise money for the foundation — in the All-Star Tennis Smash — which benefits at-risk kids in Ventura County — and was joined by American tennis stars James Blake, Robby Ginepri, Justin Gimelstob, Paul Goldstein and Lindsay Davenport.

"I have been privileged to lead a privileged life with this sport and my choice to give back and do what I decided to do was something I felt deeply for a long time," Agassi said.

"For others to be inspired by it is one thing. But the truth is, they are doing the hard hours every day. You can't just wake up and say this is what I want. You have to earn it every day, and these guys are doing it."

The Bryans knew from the moment they began planning their foundation they wanted Agassi to help kick it off.

"He knows we idolize him and still have his posters up in our garage and are the reason we have rackets in our hand," Mike Bryan said.

"Out of the goodness of his heart, he did this for us and really made this event happen. We'll never forget it. We are his slaves for life."

Agassi became the pioneer for charity in men's tennis when he established The Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation and Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy in Las Vegas.

"We know that if we band together and commit to support each other that is the best opportunity to affect change," said Gimelstob, who started the Justin Gimelstob Children's Fund in 1998.

"We have all been very loyal to each other and the Bryans do so much for so many people and are always the first to promote tennis, so for them to ask is a no-brainer. Just tell me where and when to be there."

Last year, Blake established the Thomas Blake Sr. Memorial Research Fund to help support cancer research.

The fund is named in memory of his father, who died of gastric cancer in 2004.

"If you have a voice, you might as well use it for a positive change," Blake said.

"That is the way we have all felt and I have been fortunate enough my parents instilled that in me and it seems like this generation has a great group of parents to lead them and teach them the right way to be a role model."

Ginepri remembers struggling to finance his tennis career while growing up in Georgia.

Once he turned professional, he began working with the Atlanta Youth Foundation for underprivileged kids.

"If you can give a kid a racket and reach out to them and help them pursue their dreams that is what matters," Ginepri said.

"We all realize that and will always be there to help each other's causes."

The giving nature even crosses over to the women's side, although it might not be as apparent, says Davenport.

"You probably don't see it as much because we don't have tons of Americans up there playing," she said.

"Obviously, the Williams sisters and I know Maria (Sharapova) has her own foundation, but there are not as many Americans doing so well at the top like the guys have to help each other out."

The Bryans raised $285,000 in pre-sale tickets alone for their event, and figured to raise much more through an auction.

After seeing the turnout at Sherwood, Bob Bryan knew he could rest easy at his Spanish Hills home.

"At 30 years old, it's not all about tennis," he said.

"It is about what helps you sleep at night and doing stuff like this makes you feel good because you know how many lives it will impact."

Updates:Thanks to Adam for this extra piece of info and photos.

Later that evening, at a Gala Dinner, the brothers feted Agassi for his charitable endeavors in front of a star-studded audience of players and celebrities, including Maria Sharapova and Kaley Cuoco.

The evening began with an incredible auction featuring autographed tennis racquets, an evening with Bob and Mike Bryan, and a day with Maria Sharapova, and was capped off by performances from a host of musical guests, including acoustic singer/songwriters Evan and Jaron and a surprise performance by Columbia Records recording artist Brandi Carlile.

The exhibition match between world No. 1 wheelchair tennis player (also Paralympic gold medallist) Shingo Kunieda and Satoshi Saida was also on schedule but it was canceled at the last minute due to Kunieda's elbow injury.

Here are some photos from the event.

Kei Nishikori and Go Soeda

Kimiko Date is still very much popular with the tennis fans

(From left to right) David Ferrer, Tommy Robredo, Satoshi Iwabuchi and Takao Suzuki

Sep 28, 2008

World no. 2 Jelena Jankovic won her second tour title of the year after thrashing fourth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia 6-3 6-2 at the China Open today.

The 23-year-old Serb looked confident in the final of the $600,000 Beijing tournament, getting revenge for her quarter-final defeat by the Russian world number seven at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo last week.Jankovic’s victory avenged two losses this season to Kuznetsova, one just a week ago in Tokyo.

“When I came on court I really was motivated and came out with a game plan, especially after playing her last week,” said Jankovic, a former top-ranked player.

Though she could replace Williams as No. 1 after next week’s tournament in Stuttgart, Jankovic would prefer to be in that spot when the season ends. She also has winning her first grand slam in mind.

“I will work very hard in the offseason, trying to get stronger and fitter and trying to bring my tennis game to the next level,” Jankovic said.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga beat Novak Djokovic 7-6 (4), 6-4 to win the Thailand Open today, clinching his first career title and avenging his loss to the top-seeded Serbian in the Australian Open final.

The second-seeded Frenchman saved three break points in the last game before sealing his victory.

Playing in his second tour final after losing in Melbourne, Tsonga fired big forehands to outplay Djokovic at the baseline and at the net.

Djokovic, ranked No. 3 in the world, looked sluggish at times. He ended the match by lobbing Tsonga's serve long.

The $576,000 Bangkok tournament was only the Frenchman's second since returning from a three-month layoff following knee surgery.

In the men's doubles final, Top seeds Lukas Dlouhy and Leander Paes combined to win their first team ATP title with a 6-4, 7-6(4) victory over Americans Scott Lipsky and David Martin at the Thailand Open in Bangkok on Sunday.

The Czech-Indian duo fired five aces, won 74% of points on serve and converted two of four break points to secure the victory in 1 hr., 16 min.

"It’s a great feeling to win the whole thing and I think if we keep working like this we can win more tournaments," said Dlouhy.

"I think we played high-level tennis and when they came back in the second set we just stepped it up and we just focused on the basic things. I hope that we can keep it like this and we can enjoy the rest of the year and we are looking forward to playing the Masters Series events."

"It’s always special stepping on the court with Lukas because not only does he complement my style of playing but he’s also teaching me things," commented Paes.

"It’s interesting that, after playing for so many years, to have a partner who’s also teaching me a few things is really beautiful."

Individually, the 35-year-old Paes has now won 40 ATP doubles titles, while Dlouhy, 10 years his junior, has compiled five.

Andy Roddick claimed his third ATP title of the season, beating unseeded giant-killer Dudi Sela of Israel 6-4, 6-7 (6) 6-3 today in the final of the China Open.

Roddick struggled all the way against Sela, who reached the final by beating top-seeded seed David Ferrer, fellow Spaniard Tommy Robredo and Rainer Schuettler of Germany.

It was the first ATP final of Sela's career.Sela is only No. 92 in the ATP rankings and is the first Israeli to reach an ATP final since Harel Levy in 2000.

Announced in the official China Open website, Roddick's agent confirmed that the winner has contributed 25 thousand dollars to China Tennis Association (CTA), the first contribution by a foreign player .

In the men's doubles final, Great Britain’s Ross Hutchins and Australian Stephen Huss (pictured) captured their first team ATP title after defeating No. 3 seeds Ashley Fisher and Bobby Reynolds 7-5, 6-4.

“It went fantastically for us, Ross and I played really well,” said the Melbourne resident Huss.

“We’ve played solid all week and haven’t done anything wrong. We really played to the top of our level and that’s been good enough this week to win. It was awesome."

"It’s very satisfying (to win another ATP title), it’s been a long time since I won one at ATP level so that gives me confidence going forward and I hope there’s more round the corner.”

This is Kirilenko third singles title of the year, having also won Tier IV titles during the clay court season in Estoril and Barcelona.

The no.1 seed who was runner-up last year to Venus Williams improved on that result Sunday afternoon against Australia's Samantha Stosur.

"I think this year, I’m a much better player, and I also had more difficult wins than last year," Kirilenko said during the press conference after her win.

"From the, I don’t know, the first round, I didn’t know the girl with whom I played, but anyway, she played quite good. And then from the second round to the final, I had very good players. And I’m really happy that I beat all of them. I feel that I’m improving, you know."

Kirilenko rallied from a set down to claim the Tier IV title with a 2-6, 6-1, 6-4.

However, Kirilenko who was back on Centre Court for the doubles final with her partner Vera Dushevina lost to defending champions Chuang Chia-Jung and Hsieh Su-Wei.

The latest pictures show Nadal shopping at a local supermarket with his friend. He was on vacation in Ibiza.Obviously, Nadal is not aware of the paparazzi chasing him wherever he goes. Or perhaps the world no. 1 tennis player is not worried about it.